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World’s Best Seam Ripper (For Every Kind of Seamstress)

Fellow quilters, and fellow humans, it’s time we talk about something no one really wants to talk about: how we all make mistakes. It’s true. I make ‘em. You make ‘em. I heard a rumor that sometimes, even Chuck Norris makes ‘em. So as long as we’re going to make mistakes, we might as well fix them in style. Even imperfect people (so… people) deserve the best mistake-correctors out there. It’s without shame and with joy that I present to you…

The BEST Seam Ripper: A review for mistake-makers of all kinds.​

Since I’m so very well practiced in the art of making and correcting mistakes, I have gathered a lot of info on seam rippers. I’ve tried them all for you, so even though you make mistakes, buying the wrong seam ripper doesn’t have to be one of them.

First, there’s something you should know about seam rippers...

Sometimes, you get what you pay for. Sure, you can buy a seam ripper for a dollar and rip some mad seams today… but tomorrow? There are no guarantees. You could end up with a drawer full of $1 seam rippers that won’t deliver. This is a warning! I don’t want you and your seam ripper drawer ending up on an episode of Hoarders. Instead, read this post FOR REAL, and get the seam ripper you deserve.​

The Best Ripper for Quality & Class: The ﻿﻿﻿Nifty Notions Brass Seam Ripper

The Nifty Notions Brass Seam Ripper is the queen of all seam rippers. First of all, it’s brass, so you are going to feel rich and famous while you rip through all of your hard work. The brass also gives this seam ripper a nice weight and durability. This thing’s built to last, you guys.

Oh, and I’m pretty sure the world might end before the ball comes off of a Nifty Notions brass seam ripper. Legend has it that this seam ripper will stay sharp for over a decade. And to top it off, it’s just plain stylish. If you’ve never been attracted to a seam ripper before… just wait until you meet this baby. Swipe right.​

If you’re not really into shiny things (I think you’re lying, but whatever) and you’re not looking for a big investment on your seam ripper, I would recommend one of these small, but mighty Mini Fix Seam Rippers. This baby has everything you need, just miniature. So cute!

Fully loaded with a sharp blade, safety ball and lid, it also comes equipped to erase threads that have been ripped. (If that eraser part if confusing you, here's a YouTube video...with some weirdly sexy background music...that shows exactly how it's done.) Sharper than your average budget-buy, this seam ripper does the job well, but be forewarned: if you’re working on a paper piecing project, you may find the blade not quite fine enough.​​

So, I’m not going to lie, I find this surgical seam ripper a little scary… but it is also scary good at ripping seams. This seam ripper is made with high quality German steel and includes two blades.

A Tula Pink Surgical Seam Ripper will make you feel like both a pop princess AND an Expert Quilter M.D. as you slice open your seams with precision. These seam rippers are known to be extra sharp, and a good match for serger stitches. But remember, and I’m telling you this because I love you: it's a razor. It’s sharp, and the blade is totally exposed. Take care of yourself, friends!​

The Clover 482 Seam Ripper wins the award for best body--the handle is soooo comfortable to hold. You won’t ever want to put it down. If you find yourself with a bunch of seams to rip, the Clover 482 will make sure you rip out those stitches cramp-free.

One warning on this little beauty: people have reported trouble with the cap coming loose. This is a seam ripper nightmare, especially if you like to dig through your sewing drawer while distracted by a great TV show (who me? No, I’ve never done that…)

Remember how I called this post “The Best Seam Ripper?” I bet you thought I was going to recommend just one, didn’t you. Well, I couldn’t choose! Just like quilters (and humans), all seam rippers have their strengths and weaknesses. Everyone needs a seam ripper that’s going to fit in with their style. I mean, chances are, you and this seam ripper are going to become pretty good friends...

The Dritz Ergonomic is my absolute favorite. It has a rubber handle, and never slips or moves in my hand while using it. It makes my ripping out of my seams, (that were a mistake), more precise, easier and faster. And it’s so comfortable in my hand. Highly recommend.

I use a clover seam ripper with the big handle and it fits well while I’m ripping out seams and it has done real well for 6 years: it still works just as well as the day I bought it. I don’t know which clover it is but it does not have a cap which I wish it did. I’m new to quilting and sewing so I use it a lot. lol.

The problem with all of these seam rippers is that the point is too large to get into a 16-20 st/inch line of stitching such as I do for all my quilts. I have the Havel’s seam ripper and it is too large.

I’d like to know what to use to Sharpen (or re-sharpen) my seam ripper. I used have a device like a pin cushion that would sharpen a seam ripper, but cannot find another one like it. These babies are costly and I’d dearly love to be able to sharpen my seam ripper(s)… Yeah I’ve got a ton of them.

I used a scissor sharpening stone (a whett stone or water stone) on my seam ripper that had a burr. A drop off sewing machine oil with it. Mine is by Gingher and my dad sharpened my scissors with the stone. (Now I only buy Famoré and let them sharpen my scissors! 💖)

I like the clover brown flat handled seam ripper, I found the round handle one rolled off the sewing table into my wastebasket too often. The brown one has a cover but I use a vertical storage unit next to my machine. And I do wish there were one with a smaller point for short stitches.

I have a Seam-Fix seam ripper. I’ve been sewing for more than 30 years, and this is by far the best one I’ve used. You have peaked my curiosity. I’d like to try the Mini version. The only criticism I have is that if you put it down it has a tendency to roll and can roll right off your table if you’re not careful.

I work at a quilt shop and we’re always sold out of the clover seam ripper. Our customers love them. I have the Seam-fix ones since I lose things- the eraser is 🙌🏼 and super helpful for newer quilters like me. Love your blogs! 💜

I have a couple of the clover one and some cheapo ones. I like the feel of the clover in my hand, but if I have a lot of seams, then I am more likely to use a scalpel type ripper. I get them from daiso (japanese store), where they are sold for removing facial hair! (yuk)

I like the 4-in-1 tool that includes a seam ripper bc it has a Bernina ripper. I love those three best but this one with a wooden handle doesn’t roll and is big enough so I don’t lose it as often! I also bought a pretty hot pink acrylic one from the IQF show one year that has the 2 ends that flip out; seam ripper and stiletto. The ones by Sawyer Creek Artistry are gorgeous too! I plan to send him some barn beam pieces from our 122 year old farm to make these for my daughter and me. 💖

My all time favourite seam ripper is the one that came with my Bernina sewing machine. When I lost it after having it for 10 years I was devastated. Then I found out I could purchase them from my Bernina dealer and I bought several of them. It is sharp, small, and has one of the finest tips I can seem to find. As well, the blade really seems to hold the edge- like I said I had my last one for 10 years. I also have the seam fix larger version. It is good too but not as fine. As well, I find it is a bit big and awkward to hold.

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